 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
United States Rifle, Cal .30, Model of 1917 - Eddystone - 30:06
Guns International #: 103460268 Seller's Inventory #: US Model 1917- w/ Bayonet & Scabbard
Category: Military Rifles - Eddystone - American Arms Rifles
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: As-issued-collector
Member Since: 12/19/20
First Name: James
Last Name: Christman
State: Florida
Zip: 33708
Country: United States
Phone: (727) 560-8560
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 9
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Returns may be possible? If there is a specific concern / reason expressed and documented PRIOR to purchase.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order --Cashiers Check -- Personal Check Up to 5 to 10 days after receipt).
Description:
United States Rifle, Cal .30, Model of 1917 w Bayonet (No Scabard)
Serial Number: 1302978
Introduction:
This rifle was the only one that I know of that was used by both the English and Americans in World War One.
And it was the only Rifle used in both World Wars, One and Two. The English issued all they had in 1939. And
the U.S. Army was still issuing the M1917 to Chemical Mortarmen at the beginning of WW2. Pricing may seem a little high?
But considering the cherry condition of the Rimmington Bayonet and Scabbard (Green) that range in cost between and $350. and $500. on Ebay. Maybe not. Other uniquie features (English Rebuild) are in the description.
Overview
Internet Records show that this rifle was issued in the later months of 1918 to US and English Armies. It might have been used in war related activities because it went through an English Arsenal Rebuild? The reason for thinking this, is because this rifle is in extremely good condition without the traditional Eddystone proof marks usually found on the Stocks of their rifles. The rest of the rifle (shooting part) to be sure, does have numerous Edditstone Issused Inspection Markings. And the metal is in really good shape. So, the "as new" condition of the wood indicates that this rebuld was mainly to replace the wood? If you are looking for a specific stamping / location let me know and I'll try to find it.
Conclusion?
This is an English rebuild? Because the English was running low on 03 Enfields after WW 1. And they wer probably working on the 04 Enfield? And they needed to restock their arsanal.
Background:
The Pattern 1914 Enfield (P14) was a .303 caliber bolt-action rifle manufactured in the United States for the British Army during World War One, to overcome English small arms shortages. While primarily built to be a British service rifle, its design was later adapted by the U.S. into the .30-06 caliber Model of 1917 Enfield. But about 90% was English design.
Given the above, the UK was in the best position to rebuild these WW One Rifles and then test them for the overall effectiveness and saftey. Plus they really needed them after WW 1 to replinish their Arsenal. And besides, the "03" was quickly becoming the main battle rifle for the US. Once the refurbish was comleted they were either put it into Post War (English) Military Service or Arsenal Storage. And it turns out that (in my opinion) that this was a really good idea, due to the significant amount of English Small Arms left all over France, especially in Dunkirk, when they had to pull bact to England, at the beginning of WW2. There are internet records that support the the English issuing of the US Model 17 at the beginning of WW2. Regarding the Inspection and Proffing markings, Keeping in mind that all metal on this rifle is Eddistone produced, and all of the wood is is American. I'm thinking USA surplus stocks, but maybe some new stocks were made to support this rebuild effort?.
SummaryThis was an Original Eddystone build for sure but with some nontraditional English markings due to an English Arsenal Rebuld, most likely at ths Sparkbrook Armory . (Some markings are very small).
There is an "O" stamping on the fore stock, which is probably an inspector's stamp.
There is "3Z" stamping on the bottom of the wrist where the traditional Eddystone Proof Mark would be. And most Internet searches seem to agree that this is generally considered to be an inspection mark or possibly a "clean and repair" cartouche for English Rebuld US Model 1917’s, not the primary proof mark found on new production Eddystone Rifles. But an inspection mark non-the-less. So, while 3Z" is not definitively documented in the reference materials that I’ve used, The internet confirms that it is consistent with other inspector and Proffing stamps used by the English. More on this below. Regarding the “E” stampings. Again, research provides two possible origins for the markings/
1. The metal was inspected Eddistone and proff stamped by the Americans. There are no UK stamps on the Metal..
2. The wood was inspected and stamped by the UK. And there are no US stampings / Cartouches are on the wood.
But there are a lot of English stamping. Some of both are shown in the photo's
The "E" Stamping is the most interesting to me? Because research shows that this is consistent with the s Enfield (E) Stampinng used by the Sparkbrook Armory that used the same E for Enfield. Or maybe it specialized depot rebuild due to just the wood was replaced? I'm thinking that this rifle was a 100% English Arrmory Refurbish? And based on this rifle they did a really good job with this.
Following are some of the Stamping Locations
- Left side of the receiver,Flaming Bomb (Eddystone)
- Sefty release - E
- E (for Eddistone) or E for English, on the bolt release. Probably Eddystone, but bolts are easy to replace.
- Same for the bolt handle (Flaming Bomb?).
- On the barrel under the handguard. (Eddistone) Stamp
- The nose of the for stock is marked with an "O" (English)
- The bottom of the fore stock. (English) Because it is on the wood?
- The rear and front swivel base. Eddistone only because it is metal.
- Rear Swivel sling. E Eddistone
- Stacking Swivel E Eddistone
- Trigger. Eddistone? Probably Eddistone?)
- Trigger Guard, Probably Eddistone, easy replacement.
- 075 on the Front Site ( Eddystone for sure)
- 11-18 with "Flaming Bomb" on the top of the front Barrel. Eddystone for sure.
- And 3Z Inspectors Cartouche is very clearly stamped on the bottom of the Wrist there the Eddystone Cartouch would usually be. English for sure.
- The Serial number and manufacturer stampings (Eddystone for sure)
- There are more E Cartouches on the Rifle . Let me know if you want me to look for a specific one?
- Might be some on the inside of the wood? But I didn’t look for them. Don't want to take it out of the wood.
History:
This rifle was an American modification and production of the .303 (7.7 mm) Pattern 1914 Enfield Rifle (British Service Rifle No. 3). So, the M1917 was often called the "American Enfield".
It was developed and produced due the shortage of M1903's. Numerically, it was the primary rifle used by all of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I. Not the “03”.
At the time of the American entry into World War Two, the U.S. Army was still issuing the M1917 to Chemical Mortarmen. So, both countries used this rifle in WW Two. Also, because it performs reliably in Arctic conditions, the Danish Sirius Dog Sled Patrol in Greenland, still uses the M1917 as their service weapon. Which means that the M1917 could be the longest serving US military rifle in history. Not too many people know this.
Three companies produced the M1917 Rifle: Eddystone Arsenal (1,352,477), Remington Arms (545,541) and the Winchester Repeating Arms Co (465,980). Winchester produced the fewest of total of 2,193,429. This would have been a whole lot eaiser if Winchester or Remington had produced this rifle.
Photo shows just the the Bayonet and Scabbardboth are in really good shape.
This rifle is crazy rugged with the best battle sites ever produced. If you want a 30:06 Military Rifle that you could drop down a mountain side and very likely would still be safe to fire?. You might want to think about this one?
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition, then cleaned, lubricated and reassembled, by a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health and were considered to be in much better condition than appropriate for the age. Because I was interested in maintaining as much of the original condition as possible, they have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me. Because of this most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places.
The entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment. Most post 1920 manufactured guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master, for reliability, functionality, and safety confirmation. I have fired a few, limited to a total of <20 rounds. Most firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. And most have period correct: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. As far as I know, there are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection! Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included with clear markings of this reconditioning, and these are identified in the listing.
Based on expert inspections, my knowledge and extensive research, all firearms are mechanically sound and complete. However, I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire. This must be determined by a qualified range master or gunsmith. All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. The be clear, a thorough inspection should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster, before even considering firing any gun.
Specific descriptions related to a Firearms are based on knowledge at the time of the listing. No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented and they are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations. A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation, at the buyer’s expense. Or, if you have a contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area, I’ll take it to them. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.
Abiding by and meeting all: City, state or federal regulations regarding the purchase or owning of firearms, or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm, is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to abide by.
The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License and complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document, for every sale? It only takes about 5 minutes to complete and besides it is a good thing for the Buyer to have because it provides the source of the rifle for the Buyer. My complete contact information, DL and Carry Permit numbers are on this form.
Because an FFL dealer is the only person in the transaction that understands the regulations and laws of the Buyer’s state/city etc.; I will only ship to an FFL License, and the FFL Holder will need to contact me and provide a copy of the license, or at least the license number prior to shipping.
All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative
Thank you for your understanding and agreement.
Jim
Price: $2,295.00
Rifle Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1917